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The Home Fires: Montana in World War II

Posters and Propaganda

Posters historically, as well as now, have the power to influence people by visually connecting them to something important to them. During World War II, since the battles were taking place outside the boundaries of the United States, it was crucial to link citizens with those battles and with the soldiers and sailors fighting them. At the same time, it was crucial to remind citizens of how they could also "fight," right here, on the home front. These posters are examples of the use of colors, symbols, and word choice to send the personal message that regardless of whether you are serving in the military and regardless of your gender or race, you can support the effort, thereby contributing to winning the war.

"If you tell where he’s going … He may never get there!" Montana Historical Society Registration No.: 90.11.15 Maker: U.S. Government Printing Office Origin: Washington, D.C. Date: 1943	"WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE RISING SUN/ YOU TAKE CARE OF RISING PRICES." Montana Historical Society Registration No.: 90.11.18 Maker: Unidentified Origin: U.S.A. Date: c1943	"Rationing means a fair share for all of us." Montana Historical Society Registration No.: 90.11.19 Maker: U.S. Government Printing Office Origin: Washington, D.C. Date: 1943
"USE IT UP - WEAR IT OUT - MAKE IT DO. OUR LABOR AND OUR GOODS ARE FIGHTING." Montana Historical Society Registration No.: 90.11.21 Maker: U.S. Government Printing Office Origin: Washington, D.C. Date: 1943	Click on each poster for a larger view	"MORE TOMAHAWKS for OUR UNITED WARRIORS/BUY WAR BONDS NOW!: Montana Historical Society Registration No.: 90.11.33 Maker: U.S. Government Printing Office Origin: Washington, D.C. Date: 1942

Additional Poster resources can be found here:
Powers of Persuasion: Post Art from WWII (National Archives Exhibition)
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/powers_of_persuasion_intro.html

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